The Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) has denied media reports about changes made to the code of conduct to authorize the judiciary's staff to take part in political activities.
Contrary to reports by some media outlets, the new code of conduct published by the DJA includes a provision with a broad prohibition.
In a statement issued today to clear up the issue, the DJA said the judiciary's staff must always be uninvolved in politics and that the prohibition remains unchanged in the new code of conduct.
While a long list of political activities prohibited for staff was included in the regulations for judicial employees enacted in 2011, the DJA said the new code of conduct defined politics to include all political activities.
"Considering the rapid changes to the nature of political activities, [this was done] for the purpose of ensuring that it would be included among prohibited activities," the DJA said, clarifying the reason for a definition that encompasses all political activity.
The code of conduct also prohibits any act that could raise questions over the impartiality of a judicial employee, the DJA noted. This includes politics and other social activities, it added.
But political party membership and voting in a political party election have never been prohibited, the DJA noted.
The DJA said clearly stating the highest code of conduct expected of the judiciary's staff is essential for maintaining the independence and impartiality of the courthouse.
While ethical matters previously stated in various parts of the regulations for judicial employees were brought under a new code, the DJA said the judiciary's staff can be professionalized by the code.
